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TIME & PLACETuesday, February 17, 2009THE Promenade Tent at Bryant Park6:30PM BACKSTAGEDesigner AMY SMILOVIC, said she was inspired by “Russian fairytales, specifically, The Tale of the Firebird.”What this translated to was loads and loads of prints with beaded embellishments, like the black top Ms. Smilovic wore with bronze metal and aquamarine beaded flowers.There was color, but it was of a deeper moodier variety, black with a burst of red orange and aqua print.

THE FASHION EXAMINER: What do you think designers can do this season to survive?AMY SMILOVIC: It’s about hunkering down and doing what you do best.

TFE: What do you think of a statement Marc Jacobs made earlier this week that “we don’t need any more black”.

AMY: Well, as a woman, I have to disagree partially with Marc; black can make you look 20 lbs lighter. That said, our girl want to express herself, and that means something other than just head to toe black. As a designer, you have to be hyper focused on editing yourself.

TFE: How many looks will you show?

AMY: 35 on the runway, but there are @ 300 in the showroom.

TFE: What do you think could be an “it” piece?

AMY: An interesting little piece like the black fur clutch with some beaded detail.

THE SHOWAs Smilovic had promised, there was fur, but it was worn in a young way, a scarf, or a big hat or hand muffs. The black fur accessorized the bright colors well, especially when worn with a pink ruffled “Zarina” riding coat or a versatile teal asymmetric sheath dress.Evening was a strong point – for print lovers there was a v-front firebird print gown and if you like solids, a puff sleeved military blue sheath with a gold embroidery cross on the front.To see more of Tibi’s designs, go to the official website:www.tibi.com